Orthodontic Retention: Keeping Your Teeth Straight For Life

Why retainers are essential after orthodontic treatment and how Vogue Dental protects your results

Learn why orthodontic retention is vital after braces or aligners, the difference between fixed and removable retainers, and why Vogue Dental recommends a combined approach for long-term results.

Completing orthodontic treatment is an exciting milestone, but straightening your teeth is only part of the journey. Without proper retention, teeth naturally try to move back towards their original positions. This is why orthodontic retention is essential for protecting the results of braces or clear aligner treatment.

At Vogue Dental in Chislehurst, Kent, long-term stability is taken seriously. Our gold-standard approach to retention ensures patients keep their new smile for life with the right combination of retainers and expert guidance.

Why Retention Matters After Orthodontics

Teeth are held in place by surrounding bone and soft tissues, which take time to adapt to their new positions after orthodontic treatment. Even once teeth look straight, they remain prone to movement.

Without retainers, relapse can occur – sometimes quickly. Retention is therefore not optional; it is a vital phase of treatment designed to hold teeth in place while the mouth stabilises and beyond.

Types of Retainers: Fixed vs Removable

There are two main types of orthodontic retainers: fixed retainers and removable retainers. At Vogue Dental, the gold standard recommended by Dr Aneka is to use both, as each plays a different but equally important role.

Fixed Retainers

A fixed retainer is a thin wire bonded to the back of the front teeth, usually covering the front six teeth. This wire works continuously to prevent visible shifting and is especially helpful for maintaining alignment in the most noticeable part of the smile.

While fixed retainers provide constant support, they cannot be relied on alone. They only stabilise the teeth they are attached to and do not protect the rest of the bite. This is why a removable retainer is also required for full retention.

Removable Retainers

Removable retainers are designed to be worn at night and should be worn every night indefinitely – in other words, for as long as you want straight teeth.

They hold the entire arch of teeth in position and act as a safety net if any minor movement begins. In addition, removable retainers protect any composite bonding by reducing pressure on the teeth and helping to prevent fractures or wear to both natural teeth and restorations.

Wearing removable retainers consistently is one of the most important habits patients can develop after orthodontic treatment.

Why Vogue Dental Uses Vivera Retainers

Vogue Dental offers Vivera retainers, which are widely regarded as a premium option compared to standard laboratory-made retainers.

Vivera retainers provide several advantages:

• Multiple sets provided – patients typically receive three sets at the end of treatment, ensuring spares are available if one is lost or damaged.
• Superior material quality – Vivera retainers are made from stronger, more durable material than standard retainers.
• Improved fit and comfort – digitally designed for precision, they fit more accurately and feel more comfortable to wear at night.

This higher quality reduces the risk of breakage, improves long-term compliance and enhances overall patient experience.

The Gold-Standard Retention Strategy

Dr Aneka’s recommended approach is to combine:

• A fixed wire retainer behind the front six teeth
• A removable retainer worn every night

The fixed wire helps prevent immediate visible movement, while the removable retainer protects the full bite and supports long-term stability. Used together, they provide the most reliable way to maintain orthodontic results.

This dual system also offers peace of mind: if one retainer fails or loosens, the other continues to protect the teeth until it can be repaired.

Retainers and Long-Term Dental Health

Retention is not just about keeping teeth straight – it also protects overall oral health. Well-aligned teeth are easier to clean, reducing the risk of decay and gum disease. Removable retainers also act as a protective barrier against grinding or clenching in some patients, helping to prevent wear and fractures.

By committing to lifelong retainer wear, patients protect their orthodontic investment and enjoy lasting confidence in their smile.

For personalised retention advice and long-term smile protection, book a consultation with Vogue Dental and ensure your orthodontic results last a lifetime.